UNESCO: “Media development in Curacao is below standard”

WILLEMSTAD – During a recent presentation on the media of Curaçao, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) indicated that journalists and reporters on the island are generally low skilled and poorly paid. UNESCO also indicated that they are under pressure and are therefore prone to self-censorship. Often their coverage is not fully trusted by the public.

The research, done by representatives of the U.N. organization here in Curaçao, indicates that there is really little or nothing known about the ownership of newspapers and radio stations, and the interest they really serve. In theory, there may be complete press freedom in Curaçao, but there is very little modern legal framework in which journalists can safely work.

The report was presented by the authors in a confidential, preliminary version to the stakeholders in the field. Owners of newspapers, radio and television broadcasters, journalists, experts and other professionals in the media, who were interested in the results of the research were able to discuss this report during the presentation. The final version will be published soon by the Curacao Department of UNESCO.